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03-15-2012, 12:13 AM
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#1
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Propex heater
I'm converting my van and its time to explore my options for a heater.
I'm thinking of a Propex in combination with a propane tank under the van. Don't like heaters with 'open' heat sources and it should use little electricity.
Has anybody any experience with a Propex or similar heater?
Van.
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My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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03-15-2012, 07:34 PM
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#2
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 372
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Re: Propex heater
Our B has a Suburban. What is the major difference between the two?
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Brian
2009 Roadtrek 190V, 5" lift - Build Thread
2004 Toyota 4Runner
2014 Honda CR-V
1965 Dodge Coronet 440
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03-15-2012, 10:31 PM
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#4
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 372
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Re: Propex heater
I think the Propex is no more/less an open flame than the Suburban. They both use a fire on a heat exchanger, and a fan to move heat off the heat exchanger, into the cabin.
I do wonder if a Propex is less noisy than the Suburban (mini turbo-jet).
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Brian
2009 Roadtrek 190V, 5" lift - Build Thread
2004 Toyota 4Runner
2014 Honda CR-V
1965 Dodge Coronet 440
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03-15-2012, 11:31 PM
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#5
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Sarnialabad, The Newly Elected People's Republic of Canuckistan
Posts: 3,246
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Re: Propex heater
It has to be.
The Suburban is as you describe. "747" in a box.
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It's not a sprint(er) (unless you make it one), it's (hopefully) a marathon.
RV - 2018 Navion 24V + 2016 Wrangler JKU
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03-27-2012, 05:21 PM
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#6
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida, USA
Posts: 200
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Re: Propex heater
A bit late but some answers to your remarks.
I have a NO-top van conversion, so little space. The Propex is small, easy to hide and very important, low amp use. Also fully vented outside.
Brian,
the question was, that I was looking for users and their experience with Propex.
Photog,
I do think Propex is or should be rather quiet, but I would like that confirmed.
Thanks for your remarks.
Van
__________________
My website describes the conversion of my Ford Transit van into a small RV. I deal with a lot of woodworking, but hope to be quite specific on solar as well.
CargoVanConversion.com
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03-27-2012, 05:29 PM
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#7
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 372
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Re: Propex heater
The Propex has been popular in the Westfalia VW vans (small space). They are know for being more quiet than the Suburban heaters.
I do not know what type of fan system they have, but I would not be difficult for a manufacturer like Propex, to improve the efficiency over the Suburban. I believe the Propex uses a Squirrel Cage fan, which should move plenty of air, with less power draw.
There is another heater company, that produces a competitive model to these heaters. Sorry I can't remember the name. A little searching for the Propex and Suburban should bring up the third name.
__________________
Brian
2009 Roadtrek 190V, 5" lift - Build Thread
2004 Toyota 4Runner
2014 Honda CR-V
1965 Dodge Coronet 440
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03-27-2012, 06:32 PM
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#8
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Bronze Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 40
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Re: Propex heater
I just saw a neat solution for the heaterless in a Popular Mechanics back issue. Use fire bricks on the stove, heat them up, they radiate heat for hours. It's either something to use temporarily, or if you only want a heater "just in case" then that could be your back up... however, they did note it was quite efficient on propane compared to other heating solutions.
What about it that appeals to me though, is that after about half an hour after you turn the stove off, you can probably seal up all the ventilation.
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04-02-2012, 12:01 PM
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#9
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Sarnialabad, The Newly Elected People's Republic of Canuckistan
Posts: 3,246
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Re: Propex heater
Interesting idea.
If a propane burner is all you've got available, it does sound like it might work as a temporary
heat source. Ventilate while heating the brick(s), and then close up afterwards sounds safe enough.
__________________
It's not a sprint(er) (unless you make it one), it's (hopefully) a marathon.
RV - 2018 Navion 24V + 2016 Wrangler JKU
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